Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes

You can cook a full meal in under an hour with a slow cooker. Just set it and forget it.

This recipe is ideal for busy workdays, family dinners, or meal prep.

The key is to use the right ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.

About the Ingredients

500g chicken breast

Choose boneless, skinless chicken for easy cooking. Use thighs if you prefer more moisture.

1 cup (200g) long-grain rice

Rice is the base. Use brown rice if you want more fiber, but it’ll take longer to cook.

1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed

Canned beans save time. If you want fresh, cook them separately and add them later.

2 cups (500ml) chicken broth

Broth adds moisture. Use low-sodium if you want to control salt levels.

1 small onion, chopped

Onion adds depth. Use a sweet onion if you want a milder flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Garlic gives a punch of flavor. Substitute with garlic powder if you're short on time.

1 bell pepper, diced

Bell pepper adds color and crunch. Use red or yellow for more sweetness.

1 tbsp olive oil

Olive oil prevents sticking. Use avocado oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.

1 tsp dried oregano

Oregano adds warmth. Use fresh if you have it, but it’s not necessary.

1/2 tsp salt

Salt enhances flavor. Use less if your broth is already salty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set the chicken breast aside to rest for a few minutes.

2. Heat the olive oil

In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened.

3. Add the chicken

Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed vegetables and mix well.

4. Add the rice and broth

Add the rice and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.

5. Add the black beans and seasonings

Pour in the drained black beans and add the oregano and salt. Mix gently to avoid breaking the beans.

6. Cook on low

Cover the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low. This allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to blend.

7. Check for doneness

The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and the rice is tender. Use a fork to test the chicken and rice.

8. Let it rest

Turn off the slow cooker and let the meal rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the rice absorb any extra liquid.

Delicious Variations

• Try using ground beef instead of chicken for a heartier dish.
• Substitute the black beans with kidney beans or corn for a different texture.
• Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra acidity and depth.

How to Store Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe is simple and full of flavor. You can make it on a lazy night or for meal prep. Try it out and see how easy it is to cook meals with a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes

Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes are perfect for busy nights, offering rich flavors with minimal effort.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice
• 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (500ml) chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prepare the ingredients — Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set the chicken breast aside to rest for a few minutes.
2. 2Heat the olive oil — In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened.
3. 3Add the chicken — Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed vegetables and mix well.
4. 4Add the rice and broth — Add the rice and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.
5. 5Add the black beans and seasonings — Pour in the drained black beans and add the oregano and salt. Mix gently to avoid breaking the beans.
6. 6Cook on low — Cover the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low. This allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to blend.
7. 7Check for doneness — The chicken is done when it’s fully cooked and the rice is tender. Use a fork to test the chicken and rice.
8. 8Let it rest — Turn off the slow cooker and let the meal rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the rice absorb any extra liquid.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: The chicken can be swapped with any lean protein. Keep the liquid level in check to avoid overly dry rice.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple RecipesCooker50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat